Monitoring system for a dialysis machine

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a monitoring system for at least one dialysis machine (e.g. a peritoneal dialysis machine), wherein the monitoring system receives data from a dialysis machine to be monitored via a first data communication network, wherein the data are selected from a group comprising machine data, error codes, operational data, environmental data, consumables data, network data, treatment data, wherein the data received are stored in a manner which is specific to the respective peritoneal dialysis machine, wherein for each machine, at least individual components of the stored data are analyzed wherein, on the basis of the analysis, an action selected from informing a patient, informing a medical professional, informing service personnel, informing a quality management representative is carried out via a second data communication network.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a continuation of copending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/896,695, filed on Feb. 14, 2018, which claimspriority to German Patent Application No. DE 102017206877.9, filed onApr. 24, 2017. The entire disclosures of the aforementioned patentapplications are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD

The invention relates to a monitoring system for at least one dialysismachine.

BACKGROUND

Many people suffer from kidney insufficiency or from chronic or acutekidney failure. Although, kidney transplantation is possible inprinciple, the availability of suitable donor organs is limited and atransplant cannot be carried out for all patients. Thus, methods forwashing the blood, known as dialysis, have been developed in the past.The dialysis procedure is characterized in that exchange of substancesis carried out by means of a membrane. In this, the fluid to be purifiedis on one side of the membrane and a suitable dialysate is on the otherside.

Various methods have been established in the past. They includehemodialysis, in which urea, ureic acid and other substances am dialysedout of blood using a semipermeable membrane and under the influence ofosmotic pressure. Other methods are hemoperfusion, hemodiafiltration andhemofiltration.

Furthermore, the peritoneal dialysis method was also developed in thepast. Peritoneal dialysis is also known as PD. The term “peritonealdialysis” also encompasses various methods such as, for example, manualCAPD (continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis), APD (automated PD) orCCPD (continuous cycling PD), which is carried out continuously bymachine, IPD (intermittent PD), NIPD (nighttime intermittent PD), etc.

These methods are based on the fact that the peritoneum is a membranewhich lines the abdominal cavity and has a good blood supply.

Because of its particular construction, the peritoneum can in fact beused as a “filter membrane.” In this regard, a tube (catheter) isusually implanted in a patient's abdominal cavity. A dialysate is passedvia this catheter into the abdominal cavity and left there for a certainperiod of time. Substances with small molecules can then pass out of theblood via the capillaries of the peritoneum into the dialysate becauseof the existing concentration gradient. After a certain time, thedialysate has to be drained out and replaced with fresh solution.

In contrast to artificial membranes in blood dialysis, the peritoneum isalso highly permeable to proteins, whereupon a significant loss ofprotein occurs.

However, peritoneal dialysis has been shown to be advantageous in manyrespects. In contrast to other dialysis procedures, peritoneal dialysisallows for lengthier maintenance of any remaining kidney function. Inaddition, complications are reported less frequently for peritonealdialysis, because the circulation is stressed to a lesser extent. Thisis of major advantage for patients with heart problems. In principle,peritoneal dialysis can also be used by patients in their domesticenvironment, while hemodialysis is only available in specially equippedcenters/practices/clinics.

Despite these advantages, peritoneal dialysis is not widespread. Amongother things, this can be put down to the fact that reliable,trouble-free operation of the associated machines cannot be guaranteed.Among other things, this can be put down to the fact that the peritonealdialysis machines suffer from wear and tear which depends on its use,inter alia.

SUMMARY

In an exemplary embodiment, the invention provides a monitoring systemfor at least one dialysis machine, such as a peritoneal dialysis (PD)machine. The monitoring system includes a processor and a non-transitorycomputer-readable medium having processor-executable instructions storedthereon, wherein the processor-executable instructions, when executed bythe processor, facilitate: receiving data from a dialysis machine via afirst data communication network, wherein the data includes machinedata, error codes, operational data, environmental data, consumablesdata, network data, and/or treatment data; storing the received data ina manner which is specific to the peritoneal dialysis machine; analyzingat least individual components of the stpred data; and selecting anaction based on the analysis, wherein the action includes sendinginformation to a patient, a medical professional, service personnel,and/or a quality management representative via a second datacommunication network.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The present invention will be described in even greater detail belowbased on the exemplary figures. The invention is not limited to theexemplary embodiments. All features described and/or illustrated hereincan be used alone or combined in different combinations in embodimentsof the invention. The features and advantages of various embodiments ofthe present invention will become apparent by reading the followingdetailed description with reference to the attached drawings whichillustrate the following:

FIG. 1 shows a diagrammatic overview of a monitoring system andperitonea dialysis machines in accordance with exemplary embodiments ofthe invention;

FIG. 2 shows a diagrammatic overview of components of a peritonealdialysis machine in accordance with exemplary embodiments of theinvention; and

FIG. 3 shows a diagrammatic overview of components of a monitoringsystem in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Exemplary embodiments of the invention provide a monitoring system forperitoneal dialysis machines which can provide increased safety forpatients.

In an exemplary embodiment, the invention provides a monitoring systemfor at least one dialysis machine, such as a peritoneal dialysis (PD)machine, wherein the monitoring system receives data from a dialysismachine to be monitored via a first data communication network, whereinthe data are selected from a group comprising machine data, error codes,operational data, environmental data, consumables data, network data,treatment data, wherein the data received are stored in a manner whichis specific to the respective dialysis machine, wherein for eachmachine, at least individual components of the stored data are analyzedwherein, on the basis of the analysis, an action selected from informinga patient, informing a medical professional, informing servicepersonnel, informing a quality management representative is carried outvia a second data communication network.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described in moredetail with reference to the figures. It should be noted in this regardthat various aspects are described which may respectively be deployedindividually or in combination. This means that any aspect may be usedin different embodiments of the invention unless explicitly stated to bea pure alternative.

Furthermore, for the purposes of simplicity, reference may be made tojust one entity. Unless explicitly stated, however, the invention mayalso comprise a plurality of the entities in question. In this regard,then, the use of the words “a” and “an” should be understood to besimply an indication that at least one entity is used in a simpleembodiment.

A monitoring system 1 in accordance with the invention is shown in itscontext in FIG. 1. The monitoring system 1 is suitable for monitoring atleast one peritoneal dialysis machine PD1; in principle, however, it canalso monitor a plurality of peritoneal dialysis machines PD1-PDn.Although the system described herein is discussed principally inconnection with a peritoneal dialysis machine, it is also noted that thesystem described herein may be used, where appropriate, in connectionwith other types of medical devices, including, for example,hemodialysis machines.

An example of a peritoneal dialysis machine PD1 is shown in FIG. 2. Theperitoneal dialysis machine PD1 comprises, for example, one or moresensors S, one or more actuators A, at least one CPU (central processingunit) to process sensor data and/or to control the actuators A, as wellas at least one communication unit IO which is configured to communicatewith the respective first data communication network NET1.

The monitoring system 1 receives data from at least the one peritonealdialysis machine PD1 to be monitored or from a selection or from allperitoneal dialysis machines PD1-PDn via a first data communicationnetwork NET1.

The data communication network NET1 may be any suitable wired orwireless data communication network. In addition, the transmissionprotocol for the respective implementation may be freely selected. Inaddition, the term “a data communication network” should not beconstrued in a limited manner, but different data communication networksmay be provided for different data, or in fact redundant datacommunication networks may be provided. In addition, the mechanism forproviding data may include active transmission via a user interventionat the peritoneal dialysis machine PD1, and/or periodic or event-relatedtransmission of data via the peritoneal dialysis PD1 and/orinterrogation of data by the monitoring system 1 (periodic,non-periodic, on request).

The data which is provided by the peritoneal dialysis machine PD1 orinterrogated by it via the monitoring system 1 are selected from a groupcomprising machine data, error codes, operational data, environmentaldata, consumables data, network data, treatment data.

An exemplary monitoring system 1 is shown in FIG. 3. The monitoringsystem 1 comprises, for example, at least one CPU for processing dataand a database DB or another local or remote data storage device, aswell as at least one first logical communication unit IO1, which isconfigured for transmission to the respective first data communicationnetwork NET1, and a second logical communication unit IO2 which isconfigured for transmission to the respective second data communicationnetwork NET2.

It should be noted that the first data communication network NET1 andthe second data communication network NET2 are shown as separate logicaldata communication networks. However, there is no imperative for thedata communication networks to be different. Moreover, the first datacommunication network NET1 and the second data communication networkNET2 may be components of one data network.

In the monitoring system 1, the data received from the peritonealdialysis machine PD1 is stored in a manner which is specific to arespective peritoneal dialysis machine PD1, for example in a local orremote database DB or a local or remote data storage device.

In the monitoring system 1, then, at least individual components of thestored data can be analyzed in a machine-specific manner, whereupon onthe basis of the analysis, an action selected from informing a patientP, informing a medical professional FP, informing service personnel(SP), informing a quality management representative QB is carried outvia a second data communication network NET2.

As an example, this may be implemented in a manner such that theperitoneal dialysis machine PD1 provides the monitoring system 1 withmachine and maintenance-related data via email or SMS. The monitoringsystem 1 extracts numerical values from the transmitted data. In themonitoring system 1, an analysis is carried out with a view to cases offaults, wear, as well as classifying the results with a view to severityof the fault and degree of wear.

As an example, faults are assigned an error code.

Routing to an appropriate user group is carried out as a function of theerror code. This means that for every error code there is a clearreferral to one or more user groups.

As an example, in the event of a fault which requires action by aservice technician, the detected fault and the details of the faultyperitoneal dialysis machine PD1 are passed on to the service personnelSP.

As an example, a fault which could be traced to a lack of training ofthe user would be sent to a quality management representative. This may,for example, be a specific application adviser or even medicalprofessionals such as physicians or nurses.

As an example, the data from the respective peritoneal dialysis machinePD1 may be sent to a central address/post box which is associated withthe monitoring system 1. The monitoring system 1 then sorts the datareceived, for example according to sender (corresponds to the peritonealdialysis machine). In this manner, the corresponding data is stored onthe monitoring system 1 in a manner specific to a specific machine.

A WWW server may be provided on the monitoring system 1, for example.This may on the one hand prepare and display the data in amachine-specific manner (color coded and/or sorted), and on the otherhand also carry out specific analyses upon the (machine-specific) dataon request.

This means that in addition to active notification, it is also possiblefor specific user groups to carry out (machine-specific) analyses on thedata and to interrogate the results. In this regard, the results may beprovided on the web server or in fact be sent via email/SMS to anaddress stored for the respective user to the appropriate recipient, forexample the patient P, a physician and/or care personnel FP, servicepersonnel SP, a quality management representative QB, and so on.

It should be noted that the analysis and notification functions may beconstructed so as to be able to be configured.

As an example, serious faults may trigger an immediate response byservice personnel SP. Other faults which are indicative of theoccurrence of wear can be transmitted to the service personnel SPtogether with corresponding data and/or analyses. As an example, on thebasis of the pressure profile of a membrane pump (recorded by a sensorS), it is possible to determine whether the over-pressure orunder-pressure change is occurring within the appropriate ranges or atthe appropriate rates. Furthermore, for example, the pressure profilecan also be used to check whether the pressure is stable. Other and/oradditional data can be used to determine whether the valves areopening/closing reliably. In addition, for example, an initializationtest could show that specific elements of the peritoneal dialysismachine are reaching their limits. Furthermore, for example, monitoringsensor zero points can determine the linearity of length sensors, etc.The number of degassing cycles can provide information regarding theseal of the hydraulic elements. In addition, for example, in general,the current consumption can be monitored. If this consumed current iscomparatively high, this indicates an increased internal friction, forexample loss of a lubricant, abrasion, etc. In addition, the generalspeed of individual components may be recorded. Here again, conclusionscan be drawn regarding internal friction. In addition, the heat outputcan be recorded. If this increases, then this provides, for example, anindication regarding a fault in the heating system. Other data such as,for example, erroneous reading of barcodes, can be detected within ashort period, indicative of a fault in the optical properties of abarcode reader subsystem of the peritoneal dialysis machine. Otherparameters, such as data storage or electric batteries installed in theperitoneal dialysis machine, may also provide data regarding thecondition.

This means that via the monitoring system 1 it is possible, by analyzingthe data, to collect data regarding wear. In particular, for example, ina peritoneal dialysis machine PD1 to be monitored which has a membranepump, it is possible to collect data regarding wear by analyzing changesin the pressure and/or channel profiles, i.e. profile data.

In one embodiment, the wear of the pump unit is determined using apressure/channel profile of a membrane pump in the PD machine; thedegree of wear is established as a function of changes in the recordedpressure/channel profile.

Although in the description above, emphasis has been placed onmonitoring the peritoneal dialysis machine, the monitoring system 1 canalso detect batch-to-batch variation in the disposable items used. Thus,for example, by analyzing the air detection, an indication can beprovided regarding leaks in the various lines connected to the patientP.

Other sensors may also be present in the peritoneal dialysis machine inorder, for example, to detect environmental conditions. Thus, forexample, the environmental temperature may be determined in order, forexample, to determine whether the heat output is in fact adequate. Inaddition, for example, the air pressure could be detected in order, forexample, to be able to assess the performance of a compressor. Themoisture in the air may also be determined in order, for example, toprovide early detection of damage to the electronics, by corrosion bycondensed moisture from the air. In addition, it is possible to monitorthe mains electricity which provides energy to the peritoneal dialysismachine.

Other faults, however, indicate faulty training on using the peritonealdialysis machine. Possible catheter problems could be detected by thenumber of “wake up” calls and/or by determining the rise in a dwell-timediagram. In addition, any shortfalls in the prescribed input volumes canbe detected; these are an indication of a lack of compliance. Inaddition, switching points between infusion and drainage can be detectedand be evaluated over a plurality of infusions. Here again, this couldbe an indication of lack of compliance. In addition, the generalmonitoring can be used to determine whether a treatment is in factsucceeding. From the number of error messages recorded, a conclusion maybe drawn of lack of training on the peritoneal dialysis machine. Eventhe periods of time between providing a treatment and actualcommencement of the treatment may be an indication of a lack oftraining, since too long a time interval may bring about contamination.In this case, for example, a quality management representative QB couldbe informed who would initiate fresh training of the patient P.

The appropriate trigger mechanisms may be designated on the monitoringsystem 1. As an example, the trigger parameters may be specified. Inaddition, it is possible to designate the persons to be contacted or themanner of contact. In this regard, specific persons and/or machines maybe grouped so that, for example, the same parameters always belong tospecific patients or specific machines.

However, the profile of the data to be transmitted from the monitoringsystem 1 to the relevant peritoneal dialysis machines could bedesignated.

From the machine data, the server determines a machine-specificevaluation as to which of the technical data and therapy data are to beextracted and viewed:

-   -   hours of operation;    -   durational data;    -   machine faults with fault statistics;    -   process parameters such as, for example, pump parameters,        measurement results from initial tests, sensor values, etc.;    -   displayed screen profile;    -   total infusion/drainage dwells;    -   total dwell times;    -   infusion reduction;    -   dwell time reduction;    -   UF (ultrafiltration) measures (such as UF rate or UF volume).

The rules for analysis are integrated into the server and allow theserver to interrogate the machine data for specific results or patterns.

As an example, the following data may be used:

-   -   environmental conditions;    -   state of repair (wear data, hours of operation, technician        input, replaced components, equipment code, machine faults).

Various conclusions for the machine can be determined from thisanalysis:

-   -   repair recommendations for servicing technicians;    -   adjustments to the recording parameters for the machine;    -   more detailed conclusions regarding batch-to-batch variation of        disposable items;    -   trend identification of component failure of machines;    -   adjusting treatment or patient care;    -   wear behavior of machine.

The data received is stored in the database DB, preferably linked to thetime.

If faults occur more often within a specific time period, thenadditional data can be requested by the monitoring system 1 from therespective peritoneal dialysis machine in order to allow a more detailedanalysis to be carried out.

From the frequency within a specific time period (fault rate), forexample, an estimation can be made as to whether a fault is acute or howurgently a fault in the machine has to be corrected.

If faults occur less often within a specific time period, then less datacan be requested by the monitoring system 1 from the respectiveperitoneal dialysis machine in order to allow a less detailed analysisto be carried out.

From the data received from the peritoneal dialysis machine, themonitoring system 1 filters out individual or multiple specific items ofmachine data and durational data and stores it.

A unique machine number, a unique number for the hardware with which theperitoneal dialysis machine is equipped, a unique identifier for theversion of the software that is actually installed, the state to whichthe peritoneal dialysis machine was delivered, the language with whichthe peritoneal dialysis machine is delivered as well as the productiondate and the latest date a service technician was deployed to theperitoneal dialysis machine are included in the specific machine data.

The durational data contain the hours of operation of the peritonealdialysis machine since delivery, the hours of operation of theperitoneal dialysis machine since the last service as well as the numberof switching procedures for the valves, motors and heaters sincedelivery of the peritoneal dialysis machine.

In addition, the number of treatments can be determined from all of thedata available for the monitoring system 1.

The specific machine data are extracted for analysis, inter alia, as towhether specific fault patterns exist which are linked to the softwareinstalled or the set of hardware of the peritoneal dialysis machine. Incontrast, it is possible, for example when production errors are madeknown, to identify all affected peritoneal dialysis machines with aspecific software version or a specific set of hardware and to send anautomatic message to the technicians to carry out maintenance on thatperitoneal dialysis machine.

The number of hours of operation associated with the switchingprocedures for electromechanical components as well as the faultpatterns are analyzed in order to monitor the wear ofmechanical/electrical components and if necessary to inform the servicepersonnel SP regarding the imminent replacement of those components.Furthermore, with the hours of operation being known, a reminderregarding the next scheduled maintenance can be sent to the servicepersonnel.

Long-term monitoring of the durational data allows, inter alia, thebehavior, wear and robustness of the hydraulic and pneumatic systems ofthe peritoneal dialysis machine to be analyzed and evaluated.

In this manner, product improvements can be instigated early on.

The data regarding the country for delivery and language of theperitoneal dialysis machine will be extracted, inter alia, in order todraw conclusions regarding problems that are specific to countries, forexample relating to extreme climate conditions (temperature, airhumidity) or special handling.

Although a wireless or wired data communication network NET1 or NET2 isdiscussed above, the person skilled in the art will readily recognizethat here in particular, a local network up to a global internet networkmay be meant, wherein all suitable media, such as wire, glass fiber ormobile communications (Bluetooth, ZigBee, WLAN (wireless local areanetwork), GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications), UMTS (UniversalMobile Telecommunications System), LTE (Long-Term Evolution), LTE-A (LTEAdvanced) and subsequent technologies) are included.

A separation into two (virtual) networks may be advantageous because inthis case, direct access to peritoneal dialysis machines and to dataregarding the peritoneal dialysis machines stored in the monitoringsystem 1 can be prevented. This means that unauthorized access can beprevented.

In one embodiment of the invention, a specific evaluation may berequested by a user P, SP, QM, FP.

As described above, at least individual items from the stored data andevaluations of the relevant stored data can be retrieved using a webbrowser.

In particular, when unsecure communication networks are used, the datafor the peritoneal dialysis machine PD1 is advantageously transmitted inan encrypted manner.

In one embodiment of the invention, the messages are sent via amessaging service. This means that the system can be integrated intoexisting communication infrastructures.

Although the invention has been described above in relation to aperitoneal dialysis machine PD1, the invention is not limited to this,but rather, the monitoring system 1 may monitor a plurality ofperitoneal dialysis machines (PD1, PD2 . . . PDn)—as can be seen in FIG.1.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in thedrawings and foregoing description, such illustration and descriptionare to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive. Itwill be understood that changes and modifications may be made by thoseof ordinary skill within the scope of the following claims. Inparticular, the present invention covers further embodiments with anycombination of features from different embodiments described above andbelow. Additionally, statements made herein characterizing the inventionrefer to an embodiment of the invention and not necessarily allembodiments.

The terms used in the claims should be construed to have the broadestreasonable interpretation consistent with the foregoing description. Forexample, the use of the article “a” or “the” in introducing an elementshould not be interpreted as being exclusive of a plurality of elements.Likewise, the recitation of “or” should be interpreted as beinginclusive, such that the recitation of “A or B” is not exclusive of “Aand B,” unless it is clear from the context or the foregoing descriptionthat only one of A and B is intended. Further, the recitation of “atleast one of A, B and C” should be interpreted as one or more of a groupof elements consisting of A, B and C, and should not be interpreted asrequiring at least one of each of the listed elements A, B and C,regardless of whether A, B and C are related as categories or otherwise.Moreover, the recitation of “A, B and/or C” or “at least one of A, B orC” should be interpreted as including any singular entity from thelisted elements, e.g., A, any subset from the listed elements, e.g., Aand B, or the entire list of elements A, B and C.

1. A system, comprising: a plurality of dialysis machines; and amonitoring system comprising a web server; wherein the plurality ofdialysis machines are in communication with the monitoring system andare configured to send data to the monitoring system, wherein the dataincludes treatment data; wherein the monitoring system is configured toprocess the data according to respective dialysis machines of theplurality of dialysis machines and store the data in a machine-specificmanner; and wherein the web server is configured to analyzemachine-specific data and provide the machine-specific data in amachine-specific manner to medical personnel.
 2. The system according toclaim 1, wherein the web server is further configured to provideanalysis results to a patient.
 3. The system according to claim 1,wherein providing the machine-specific data in the machine-specificmanner comprises sorting the machine-specific data by machine.
 4. Thesystem according to claim 1, wherein the data further includes faultdata.
 5. The system according to claim 4, wherein the monitoring systemis configured to detect, based on the fault data, faulty training as tousage of a respective dialysis machine of the plurality of dialysismachines.
 6. The system according to claim 5, wherein detecting faultytraining is based on detecting a number of wake up calls and/ordetermining a rise in a dwell-time diagram.
 7. The system according toclaim 5, wherein detecting faulty training is based on detectingshortfalls in prescribed input volumes and/or evaluating switchingpoints between infusion and drainage over a plurality of infusions. 8.The system according to claim 5, wherein detecting faulty training isbased on determining whether a treatment is succeeding, a number oferror messages recorded, and/or a period of time between providing atreatment and commencement of the treatment.
 9. The system according toclaim 5, wherein the monitoring system is configured to, in response todetecting faulty training, provide a notification that a patientcorresponding to the respective dialysis machine needs training.
 10. Thesystem according to claim 4, wherein the machine-specific data providedby the web server includes fault statistics.
 11. The system according toclaim 4, wherein the monitoring system is configured to detect howfrequently faults occur with respect to a respective dialysis machinewithin a time period, and request additional information from therespective dialysis machine based on the detected frequency.
 12. Thesystem according to claim 4, wherein the monitoring system is configuredto detect how frequently faults occur with respect to a respectivedialysis machine within a time period, and estimate acuteness or urgencyof a fault based on the detected frequency.
 13. The system according toclaim 1, wherein the plurality of dialysis machines comprise one or moreperitoneal dialysis machines.
 14. A method, comprising: receiving, by amonitoring system comprising a web server, data for a plurality ofdialysis machines in communication with the monitoring system, whereinthe data includes treatment data; processing, by the monitoring system,according to respective dialysis machines of the plurality of dialysismachines, the data and storing the data in a machine-specific manner;and analyzing, by the web server of the monitoring system,machine-specific data and providing the machine-specific data in amachine-specific manner to medical personnel.
 15. The method accordingto claim 14, further comprising: providing, by the web server of themonitoring system, analysis results to a patient.
 16. The methodaccording to claim 14, wherein providing the machine-specific data inthe machine-specific manner comprises sorting the machine-specific databy machine.
 17. The method according to claim 14, wherein the datafurther includes fault data.
 18. The method according to claim 14,wherein the plurality of dialysis machines comprise one or moreperitoneal dialysis machines.
 19. A non-transitory computer-readablemedium having processor-executable instructions stored thereon, whereinthe processor-executable instructions, when executed, facilitate:receiving, by a monitoring system comprising a web server, data for aplurality of dialysis machines in communication with the monitoringsystem, wherein the data includes treatment data; processing, by themonitoring system, according to respective dialysis machines of theplurality of dialysis machines, the data and storing the data in amachine-specific manner; and analyzing, by the web server of themonitoring system, machine-specific data and providing themachine-specific data in a machine-specific manner to medical personnel.20. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim 19,wherein the processor-executable instructions, when executed, furtherfacilitate: providing, by the web server of the monitoring system,analysis results to a patient.
 21. The non-transitory computer-readablemedium according to claim 19, wherein providing the machine-specificdata in the machine-specific manner comprises sorting themachine-specific data by machine.
 22. The non-transitorycomputer-readable medium according to claim 19, wherein the data furtherincludes fault data.
 23. The non-transitory computer-readable mediumaccording to claim 19, wherein the plurality of dialysis machinescomprise one or more peritoneal dialysis machines.